The Dunston Blade

by John Daines

  “They do not appear to be organised, just thieving and causing mayhem as they go, but why south? Where are they aiming for?” queried Robert.

  “Ultimately London I suppose,” said de Mowbray.

  “ I don’t think so, I have a feeling it is somewhere closer,” replied Roger. Roger was nearer the truth than he knew. After a night of discussion they decided that Robert and his men would shadow the outlaws and find out, if they could, where they were heading and why. Roger awoke early the next morning and was on his way home by first light. This was the best time of day to ride, with the sun beginning to chase the darkness away, birds singing to welcome the golden globe, and a freshness that cleared the head from the fog of sleep. He kept his horse going at a mile eating trot and was soon in sight of Stamford. Laila welcomed him home, she had been worried about all the reports of violence on the roads.

  Roger’s guards had seen men passing the town and some trying to gain entrance but they had kept them out.

  Roger kept watch on the movement and noticed the majority were turning east and he thought of John.

  II

  “We leave for London in three days, so if you are intending to go back to Dunston now is the time to ride,” announced Sir Cedric one morning. John agreed and called Sam to make ready. Within the hour they were on their way, keeping at a brisk trot they soon glimpsed the Castle through the trees and Sam blew his horn.

  Carac welcomed them and wanted to know all the news from Wymondham. Carac told them that there had been an increase in groups of outlaws preying on travellers passing through the forest, so far Dunston was quiet and a programme of building better housing was taking place. John and Carac discussed how they could increase the number of men at arms without allowing any outlaws into the Castle.

  “I am going to be away for a few days in London with Sir Cedric,” said John. “I am sure you will be careful and check up the past history of any one you decide to take on.”

  They enjoyed a dinner together with the men who were responsible for various duties in the Castle and as John surveyed the group round the table he felt a glow of pride. They had found a home and were determined to build on what they had, even the moat was taking shape. He approached the Smithy the next day and over lunch discussed with his father the possibility of his mother and Joan moving into the Castle while the country was still in a turmoil. Jack was insistent that the Smithy continue working as he had so many orders to fulfil.

  “William could move into the house for a while with Thomas, I would be here every day and Matilda and Joan would be safe,” said Jack.

  “That’s fine,” said John. “I will make sure you have a couple of armed men to escort you.”

  John and Carac toured the farms, mills and other properties within the ownership of the Castle, it was a large area to try and protect but with a strong response force they felt everywhere was in reach of the Castle in an hour.

  John and Sam set off midmorning the following day to ride back to Wymondham, aiming to reach Wymondham by noon. They were riding through the forest when two men appeared in the middle of the track and signalled them to stop, John looked left and right and said to Sam.

  “Ride like hell Sam, don’t stop for anything!”

  Anvil responded and took off scattering the two in the track John could hear Sam close behind him, he felt the wind of an arrow that came close but they were soon out of range. They slowed to a walk after a good distance had been put between the robbers and themselves.

  “I saw the branches moving on the side of the path,” said John. “We must make sure anyone who is travelling goes with a party of armed men.”

  They carried on to Wymondham where they found armed patrols in the streets. When they arrived at the Castle there were many more armed men inside than when they left. Gavin came out to meet them and told them that there were groups of deserters in the woods, Sam related their adventure on the way home. “Something will have to be done soon to find these men work or clear them out,” said John.

  Sir Cedric and John met to discuss the situation and decided that John should go to his friend’s wedding with Tania, her maids, Sam and a strong escort. The journey to Stamford was uneventful due to the size of their party and when they arrived and met the Mayor he was only too pleased to find accommodation in the town for them. The day of the wedding arrived and the house was in a turmoil, after Roger had dressed he was banished to an Inn until after the ceremony. Laila, helped by friends, dressed and prepared to walk to the church, she would have preferred a simple ceremony with the villagers in the woods like her parents but Roger’s position demanded a proper occasion.

  They left the house, Laila dressed in white and pink with a floral headdress. Roger was already in the church with John.

  “Thank you for standing for me John,” whispered Roger.

  The ceremony concluded and they withdrew to the town hall where a feast had been prepared. The wedding was a joyful occasion and the meal, speeches and copious amounts of beer and wine that was drunk raised the spirits of the whole town. John could see that Roger had found a place to be happy and with his new wife and looked forward to good future. John kept close to Tania and during the service clasping her hand. He hoped and prayed that it would be their wedding bells that were rung out from the church soon. Tania retired to the Mayor’s house, with her maids, after the festivities in the evening, so John did not get the chance for a goodnight kiss, perhaps just as well. On their way back to Wymondham the next day there were even more morose groups of men loitering along the route, one knot of men tried to stop the cavalcade but there were enough men at arms with John’s party to stop any aggression before it developed into an attack. John breathed a sigh of relief when they were safe within the walls of the Castle, once they were all settled and he had been to see the Earl he walked up to the workroom hoping that Tania had gone there before retiring, as he walked along the passage he could see alight under the door. He knocked softly and a small voice bid him enter. Tania sat by the fire and her maid opposite her.

  “I was coming to say goodnight,” said John. “Will we never be alone?” He looked at the maid as he said this who stared at the embroidery in her lap.

  “You know my father’s order John, I cannot go against him.”

  “Then I must shorten the time to our wedding as being near you and not able to touch you is making me so frustrated. Goodnight to you,dearest heart, you have my love as always,” said John as he stole a kiss and went to his room.

  Sir Cedric gathered his entourage together outside the main gate, he and John were up on their destriers clothed in their armour, Sam was attending John and there were two other pages with the Earl. A force of 150 armed men also sat ready on their horses.

  “I do not think we shall have any trouble from outlaws,” said Sir Cedric as they moved of at the start of their trip to London. He was right and after an uneventful journey they entered the grounds of the London house. John made sure everyone was settled in and the horses were stabled when a servant came to say Sir Cedric wanted him.

  “My tailor is coming here tomorrow and I want him to make you some new clothes for your presentation to the King after the Coronation. We shall be in the Abbey for the ceremony and then in the palace after which I have a special task for you, I will explain later.”

  John walked out into the gardens in the evening sunshine, life was almost perfect, if only he could see someway to speed his progress to Knighthood and claim the prize of Tania as his wife, life would be idyllic.

  He was deep in thought, as he gazed out over the water that was turning a deep red from the setting sun’s reflection, when he felt a small hand slip into his.

  ”Hello John,” said Tania. “You are deep in thought, was it about me?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact it was, you are always in my thoughts,” said John turning and catching her in his arms. A discreet cough signalled that the maid servant was still in attendance. John threw caution to the wind and kissed Ta
nia long and lingering. Tania pushed him off.

  “Calm yourself my sweet, we will be together soon.”

  “Not soon enough,” retorted John. “I will burst if it goes on much longer.”

  They walked arm in arm round the garden until the chill of the night drove them inside. John lay in bed that night thinking of the slender body of Tania pressed against him, he was determined he would find a way to have time with her alone. He was woken by Sam and told that the tailor was here and he had slept in, Sam brought breakfast for him and helped him dress. John entered Sir Cedric’s chambers to find a fussy little man measuring the Earl.

  “Come John remove your doublet and let the Taylor measure you for new clothes. I want my man to look his best, Pilchard, or I will pop you in the sea to join your brothers.”

  The little man busied himself with his tape and notebook muttering and clucking, John could make out that he was named Pelcharde and not a ‘leetle feesh’. Sir Cedric was in a good mood and chatted to John about the forthcoming coronation.

  “Let’s see your bow, John,” and John obliged with his best bent knee.

  “Yes, that will do, remember you will only have your ceremonial dagger so there is no sword to get in the way. I want you to come to me this afternoon so that I can discuss an important occasion with you.”

  As Sir Cedric told him this John felt a nervousness and wondered what he had, or had not done. He wandered to the stables after the midday meal and found Sam brushing Hammer so that his black coat shone.

  “He is a beautiful animal sir, I have polished his harness too.”

  “You are very accomplished at what you do Sam, I could not be without you now.”

  John patted Hammer’s neck and rubbed his nose and the great horse lowered his head and nuzzled at him. Walking back to the house to meet Sir Cedric John thought about the time that had passed since he met the Earl in the wood near the Smithy, he had certainly grown up in mind and body, he was now at a crossroads and was not sure what roads were available or which one to take. Whichever road it was he was determined Tania would be there with him, imagining life without her made his heart sink. Pulling his shoulders back he strode into the house and up to Sir Cedric’s room.

  “Come in and sit down John,” invited the Earl. “How have your studies in the library been going?”

  “My time has been a little limited sir, over the past months, but I have managed to study most of the important parts, and carry out some of the practical tasks.”

  “I have been watching your achievements over the time we have ben together and you have shown to me that you have the skills I have been looking for in leadership, fighting ability, managing the running of a Castle, sobriety and controlling your feelings, especially where my daughter is concerned. Overall I am saying that it is time that you won your spurs.” Sir Cedric finished and John felt his heart leap and a tingling enveloped his body. “I would, naturally, carry out the investiture myself but an opportunity has presented itself that could not be missed.”

  The Earl smiled as he finished this last comment. “The day after the coronation the King will perform the ceremony to four young men who have come through a trying ordeal. You will spend the night, after the coronation, at prayer in the Abbey to prepare yourself for the investiture the next day, how say you John?”

  “I am overwhelmed sir, and I thank you.” John sat there speechless for a moment with the Earl smiling at him.

  “I will see you in the morning when we shall take the boat to the Palace to be ready for the grand procession to the Abbey, until then I charge you not to meet with Tania until after your investiture, do you understand?” John rose from his chair and for some reason bowed low to the Earl and left the room. He walked out to the garden in a daze. Everything seemed suddenly to be going so fast. A mist was settling over the river and gave it a surreal atmosphere, a boat appeared and the white cloud swirled around the boatman partially hiding him, like a ghost he drifted past. The temperature dropped and darkness fell and John pulled his cloak around him and went back into the house.

  When John awoke the next morning the house was buzzing with excitement as everyone prepared for the coronation, whether they were taking part or just spectating. Sam came to John with his new clothes and helped him get dressed and then went down to the hall where Sir Cedric was gathering his friends and the staff that would accompany them. The company boarded their barge which joined the flotilla of river craft that was making it’s way down the Thames to the Palace. As they alighted at Westminster quay they were met by large crowds that had come to see the spectacle, they lined the path all the way up to the Abbey, cheering at all the dignitaries as they passed by. Sir Cedric led his group to the great door of the Abbey where Marshals were ready to show them where to go. Sir Cedric with Tania at his side, looking magnificent in her court robes (so John thought) were placed near the coronation chair, while John found a place with other Squires and lesser nobles. John could see or hear, very little of the ceremony from where he was and was pleased when the King finally stood and the cry went up, “God Save the King” and the procession moved down towards the great door where the King appeared with his Queen Eleanor at his side, the crowds cheered and the procession proceeded to the Palace. When John arrived at the Palace he searched for Tania and found her with the Earl talking to a group of Nobles near the King. Sir Cedric called him over and presented him to Edward, the King.

  John did his best bow as the King spoke. “So this is the young man you have been telling me of, Cedric. What have you to say for yourself for invading one of my Castles and then giving it to this rogue here?”

  The stern face of the King turned to Sir Cedric as he said this. John was trembling inside but found his voice.

  “There was an injustice sire, which had to be redressed so that your people could live and work in peace.” The King smiled and then laughed. “I think we shall be hearing more of this young man in the future, twill be best for him to support us and not be against us I warrant.”

  Edward stretched out his hand for John to bow and kiss his ring.

  ”I shall look forward to seeing him again tomorrow.” Then he turned to speak to others who were waiting to gain his attention. John thought of what the King had just said and thought of the ceremony that would take place tomorrow. Sir Cedric signalled to John to follow him to the side of the room. Tania stood by her father smiling at John and the Earl spoke to him.

  “You may pay attention to my daughter later but now listen to me. There are many here who do not like my friendship with Edward so keep close council while you are here. Tonight you are to go with two young men, who I will introduce you to, and spend the night in the Abbey at prayer, they will guard you until morning when you will be brought to me, do you understand?” John nodded. “I will tell you what is going to happen next when I see you in the morning. Find Sam now and after the banquet tonight he will take you to a room where you can change.”

  John looked at Tania and received a smile in return, what a day this is, so much happening in such a short time! His mind went back to the books he had studied and he knew his Vigil was imminent.

  The banquet was a sumptuous event, course after course washed down with wine or mead. John tried not to overindulge but still felt bloated when the servants began to clear the tables and the nobles began toasting the King and Queen. John slipped out and found Sam who led him to the Abbey and thence to a small side room where he changed into a simple white tunic and joined three other young men dressed the same. Accompanied by several other men, some John recognised as young knights they moved into a side chapel for Vespers followed by Mass.

  After the service the three young Squires knelt at the altar rail and their Vigil began. John found it hard to focus his mind at first, then gradually he started to think of the road he had already travelled and the actions he had taken and the help he was going to need as a Knight. His prayers centred on his future life and the guidance he would need.

 
; At dawn three very tired young men went back to the side room to dress, Sam was there to assist John and together they returned to the house. John went up to his room and collapsed on the bed for a couple of hours when Sam roused him to dress and go down to Sir Cedric. The Earl was standing by the front door resplendent in his court clothes, the sun reflected from the gold chain that hung round his chest.

  “Ah, good morning John, though tis nearly afternoon, come we must not keep His Majesty waiting.”

  He strode off to the boat waiting to take them down river. John followed with Sam close behind. When they reached the barge they found Tania, her maid and another lady who was introduced as Lady Elizabeth, a friend. When they reached the Palace and entered the Great Hall John was surprised to see so many people and then he began to recognise people he knew, his father and mother with Joan, Carac and Gavin, Roger and Laila and even Father Aldred. A Marshall called everyone to order, trumpets sounded and the King and Queen entered and moved to the thrones. A Herald announced the four young men’s achievements and that they had fulfilled their obligations toward Knighthood. John was called forward first and knelt in front of the King who raised his sword and touching him lightly on each shoulder.

  “I dub thee Knight, rise Sir John Ivanson of Dunston, Knight of my realm.” Giving the sword to an equerry the King received John’s hands in his. “Do you, John of Dunston, swear to serve me faithfully and support me when I ask?”

  “I do Sire,” answered John.

  Edward signalled him to rise and smiling sat back on the throne, the onlookers applauded and John moved to stand beside Sir Cedric. When the other squires had been invested everyone gathered around tables that had been laid out with food. John found his family and was congratulated by his father, mother and Joan. Jack asked.

  “Where will you live, will you remain at Wymondham or will you settle at Dunston?”